System and method of locating wireless connection among a plurality of wireless connections

ABSTRACT

A system and method of locating a wireless connection among a plurality of possible wireless connections. More particularly, a system and method of locating a user preferred wireless connection among a plurality of possible wireless connections. The method includes scanning for available networks and determining whether the available networks satisfy one or more user preferences. The method further includes establishing a secondary network connection with one of the available networks based on one or more user preferences being satisfied.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a system and method of locating awireless connection among a plurality of possible wireless connectionsand, more particularly, to a system and method of locating a wirelessconnection among a plurality of possible wireless connections based on auser preference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mobile computing is becoming increasingly pervasive, and will approachubiquity in wireless devices (e.g., notebook computers, smart phones,personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc.) over the next decade. Oneconsistent trend in this mobile computing space is the fact that suchplatforms increasingly communicate over a variety of wireless protocols.Common protocols in use today for wireless data transfer include EV-DO,IEEE 802.11a/b/g, ZigBee® (registered trademark of ZIGBEE ALLIANCE ofCalifornia), Bluetooth® (registered trademark of BLUETOOTH SIG, INC. ofDelaware), and many other related protocols. By their very nature,differentials do exist, and will continue to exist, between the speed,or bandwidth, with which mobile devices can communicate with each other,vis-à-vis communications speeds with the broader network where adevice's target data may reside.

It is often the case that a wireless device will have a relatively fastwireless connection to other local devices and a relatively slowwireless connection to the broader network (e.g., the Internet). Forexample, local wireless connections, provided by protocols such as IEEE802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.15.1 (e.g., Bluetooth®), and 802.15.4(e.g., Zigbee®) provide fast data transfer rates of about 3 to 54megabits per second (Mbps). However, such transfer protocols often havea limited maximum transmission range of about 30 to 300 ft. On the otherhand, wireless telephony protocols (e.g., EV-DO, CDMA, EDGE, GPRS, etc.)have relatively large maximum transmission ranges on the order of miles,but only provide data transfer rates of about 10 kilobits per second(kbps) to 1 Mbps. Thus, while a user of a mobile device may enjoyrelatively fast data transfer amongst local devices, the user is oftenlimited to a slow wireless connection to the outside world (e.g., theInternet).

However, unless mechanisms exist to motivate network nodes (and theirowners) to lend their excess bandwidth at any given moment, it may bedifficult for borrowers to obtain the bandwidth needed for any givendownload.

Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to overcome the deficienciesand limitations described hereinabove.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect of the invention, a method comprises scanning foravailable networks and determining whether the available networkssatisfy one or more user preferences. The method further comprisesestablishing a secondary network connection with one of the availablenetworks based on one or more user preferences being satisfied.

In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided forestablishing a secondary network connection. The method comprisesproviding a computer infrastructure operable to scan for availablenetworks, establish a secondary network connection with one of theavailable networks which satisfy a predetermined user defined criteriaand disconnect a primary network connection after the secondary networkconnection is established.

In still another aspect of the invention, a computer program productcomprises a computer usable medium having readable program code embodiedin the medium. The computer program product includes at least onecomponent to provide the processes of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative environment for implementing the processesin accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is an overview of a network connection in accordance with theinvention; and

FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of steps for implementing aspects of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a system and method of locating awireless connection among a plurality of possible wireless connectionsand, more particularly, locating a preferred wireless network, e.g.,least expensive, most reliable, wireless connection, among a pluralityof possible wireless connections. The present invention can beimplemented in either a peer-to-peer environment or a multiplexedenvironment.

By implementing the system and methods of the invention it is possibleto connect to the least expensive or most reliable network connection.Alternatively, it is possible to connect to a preferred network, basedon other user defined variables. In one implementation, it is possibleto automatically find the least expensive wireless connection forwireless users, using multi-homed wireless interfaces on portabledevices.

As an example, a user may not be aware of all connection options onceconnected via a particular network connection, e.g., 802.11x andcellular based connections. In this illustrative example, the user maywander into a free wireless connection site at which time, implementingthe system and methods of the invention, the connection willautomatically be switched to the free connection to minimize connectioncosts. In embodiments, the user will be notified of the less expensiveconnection, providing the user the opportunity to switch connections tothe less expensive connection. The user may also be notified orautomatically connected to a most reliable or other preferred network,based on empirical data.

System Environment

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative environment 10 for managing the processesin accordance with the invention. To this extent, the environment 10includes a computer infrastructure 12 that can perform the processesdescribed herein. In particular, the computer infrastructure 12 includesa computing device 14 that comprises a primary wireless networkinterface card 25 a and a secondary wireless network interface card 25b. The computing device 14 can conceivably include more than twowireless network interface cards (NIC). It should be understood that thewireless network interface cards could be “logical” in that a singlephysical device can perform the functions performed by the separatecards. The computing device 14 may be representative of any portabledevice such as, for example, a portable digital assistant, a laptopcomputer, cellular telephone, etc.

The primary wireless network interface card 25 a serves as the interfacecard for the device's primary connection; whereas, the wireless networkinterface card 25 b serves as the interface card for the device'ssecondary connection. In embodiments, the secondary network connectionis the least expensive network connection, most reliable networkconnection or a preferred network connection. As should be understood bythose of skill in the art, more than two wireless connections may beprovided using additional wireless network interface cards or theirequivalent logical functions. Although the wireless network interfacecards can be equivalent logical functions, the discussion herein willrefer to separate wireless network interface cards for ease ofdiscussion.

Each of the interface cards 25 a and 25 b include agents 30 a and 30 b,respectively, which makes computing device 14 operable to establish theleast expensive network connection, a preferred network connection,and/or a most reliable network connection, etc., e.g., the processesdescribed herein. In embodiments, the agents 30 a and 30 b areprogrammed to periodically scan, e.g., every few seconds, for networkconnections meeting the user's criteria. These criteria may includescanning for the least expensive network, a most reliable network, orother user preferred network type connections.

The computing device 14 includes a processor 20, a memory 22A, aninput/output (I/O) interface 24, and a bus 26. The memory 22A caninclude local memory employed during actual execution of program code,bulk storage, and cache memories which provide temporary storage of atleast some program code in order to reduce the number of times code mustbe retrieved from bulk storage during execution. Further, the computingdevice 14 is in communication with an external I/O device/resource 28and a storage system 22B. The external I/O device/resource 28 may bekeyboards, displays, pointing devices, etc. The I/O device/resource 28may be configured to show a network table or provide user notifications,as discussed in greater detail below.

In general, the processor 20 executes computer program code, which isstored in memory 22A and/or storage system 22B or preferably in a memoryof each of the agents 30 a and 30 b to implement the processes describedherein. While executing computer program code, the processor 20 can readand/or write data to/from memory 22A, storage system 22B, and/or I/Ointerface 24. The bus 26 provides a communications link between each ofthe components in the computing device 14. The I/O device 28 cancomprise any device that enables an individual to interact with thecomputing device 14 or any device that enables the computing device 14to communicate with one or more other computing devices using any typeof communications link.

The computing device 14 can comprise any general purpose computingarticle of manufacture capable of executing computer program codeinstalled thereon (e.g., a laptop computer, handheld device, etc.).However, it is understood that the computing device 14 is onlyrepresentative of various possible equivalent-computing devices that mayperform the processes described herein. To this extent, in embodiments,the functionality provided by computing device 14 can be implemented bya computing article of manufacture that includes any combination ofgeneral and/or specific purpose hardware and/or computer program code.In each embodiment, the program code and hardware can be created usingstandard programming and engineering techniques, respectively.

Similarly, the computer infrastructure 12 is only illustrative ofvarious types of computer infrastructures for implementing theinvention. Further, while performing the processes described herein, oneor more computing devices in the computer infrastructure 12 cancommunicate with one or more other computing devices external tocomputer infrastructure 12 using any type of communications link. Thecommunications link can comprise any combination of wired and/orwireless links; any combination of one or more types of networks (e.g.,the Internet, a wide area network, a local area network, a virtualprivate network, etc.); and/or utilize any combination of transmissiontechniques and protocols.

In embodiments, the invention provides a business method that performsthe steps of the invention on a subscription, advertising, and/or feebasis. That is, a service provider, such as a Solution Integrator, couldoffer to perform the processes described herein. In this case, theservice provider can create, maintain, deploy, support, etc., a computerinfrastructure that performs the process steps of the invention for oneor more customers. In return, the service provider can receive paymentfrom the customer(s) under a subscription and/or fee agreement and/orthe service provider can receive payment from the sale of advertisingcontent to one or more third parties.

By way of example, the service provider may create, maintain, supportand provide a network history table to a potential user with priceoffering information in accordance with different networks. The table,for example, can be downloaded on a predetermined basis, upon scanningfor a network, in accordance with the preset invention.

Wireless Connection

FIG. 2 is a general overview of an exemplary wireless connection inaccordance with the invention. As shown in FIG. 2, user “U” requestsinformation, e.g., transfer of files, from a central location, CL (ordistributed locations). To connect to the central location, CL, the user“U” may scan for wireless networks via the agent (e.g., associated withthe wireless network interface cards (NIC) on the user's portabledevice).

In the example of FIG. 2, the user is currently connected to wirelessnetwork L₁ via any known wireless protocol. In addition, the user'sdevice begins to scan for other networks. In this example, the user'sdevice finds wireless network L₂. The user can connect to the wirelessnetwork L₂ via any known wireless protocol. In this example, the user“U” will connect to the least expensive of the wireless networks, L₂, inorder to connect to the central location, CL (or distributed locations).Prior to connecting to the wireless network L₂, the user maintainsconnection to the wireless network L₁, which is more expensive than thatwireless network connection to L₂.

In embodiments, the user can typically find multiple wireless networksand may connect to one of the wireless networks using various rules.These rules include, for example, (i) random selection, (ii) selectionbased on descending order within a table, and/or (iii) previously usednetworks that are reliable and inexpensive.

In the random selection mode (i), the user can randomly select a networkfrom a result list of the scan. In the descending order mode (ii), theuser can select a network listed in a result table, resulting from thescan for wireless networks. In this scenario, the wireless networks thatare within close proximity with the user or which have stronger wirelesssignals will appear on the top of the list. With this assumption, it islogical for the user (via an agent) to connect with the first listednetwork and, if the connection is not acceptable, the user will connectto other networks, in a descending order.

In option (iii), the agent may select a network which was used by theuser in the past. This network would preferably be a most reliable andinexpensive network with reference to other networks. In option (iii),the network may be evidenced as the most reliable by using established,empirical patterns indicating no or few “drop-offs.”

In the implementation of option (iii), the user may have access to ahistory table that lists previously used networks. The agent would usethis history table, once a scan is made and a determination as to whichnetworks are available, to select the most reliable and/or inexpensivenetwork. A sample table is shown below in Table 1. (Table 1 may also berepresentative of a table used in any of the above options.)

For purposes of option (iii), Table 1 provides the past results fornearby wireless networks. It is understood that the below table is oneexample and that the table may take other formats, request additionalinformation, etc.

TABLE 1 Network Connection History Table Network Wireless MAC Encryp-isReli- Name Mode Address tion Price able Linksys-g 802.11 g 00-06-25-Disabled Free Yes CC-00-00 BTKing 802.11 g 00-12-10- Disabled Free No99-2C-42 Cafe123 802.11 g 00-14-99- Disabled $0.10 per Yes 53-24-1Cminute

In the above table, the “Network Name” column shows the uniqueidentifier of a network. For example, this could be a hostname, aBluetooth® name or any other information that can uniquely describe thenetwork. The “Wireless Mode” column describes the actual connectiontype. The “MAC address” column shows an IP address or any otherattribute that can be used to locate the network. The “Encryption”column may be used to indicate whether the network is encryption enabledor disabled.

The “Price” column specifies the recorded price that the user paid inthe past for a given connection. The price may be stated in a price/datavolume, a price/time, a price/data volume, a price/time, a price/timewith a data cap, or a one-time price. Additionally, the price may bestated as a number of minutes to be used in a wireless service plan orany other charging mechanism. The column “isReliable” indicates whetherthe wireless network is reliable based on the existence of any networkdrop-offs during the previous connection(s).

Based on predefined rules, the agent can check if the name of the leastexpensive and reliable wireless network from the historical list appearsin the current scan list. If so, it may be selected. If not, the agentwill look at the next inexpensive and reliable network from the list.

In one illustrative example, a user may generate the table by clickingon an icon, and when prompted, make a network selection. The user'sdevice could generate any portions of the information in the table, uponscanning for connections. Also, the user may be notified of theexistence of the table or change the network connection via an audibleor visual alert. Once alerted, the agent can automatically select anappropriate network connection. Alternatively, the user can manuallyselect an appropriate connection via a scrolling action, or otherselection mode well known to those of skill in the art.

Processes in Accordance with the Invention

The processes of the flow diagram of FIG. 3 may be implemented in theenvironment of FIG. 1. The flow diagram of FIG. 3 may equally representhigh-level block diagrams of the invention. The processes of the flowdiagram may be implemented and executed directly on the user's portabledevice. Additionally, the invention can take the form of an entirelyhardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodimentcontaining both hardware and software elements. In an embodiment, thesoftware elements include firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.

Furthermore, the invention can take the form of a computer programproduct accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable mediumproviding program code for use by or in connection with a computer orany instruction execution system. For the purposes of this description,a computer-usable or computer readable medium can be any apparatus thatcan contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program foruse by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatusor device. The medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical,electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus ordevice) or a propagation medium. Examples of a computer-readable mediuminclude a semiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, aremovable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-onlymemory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk and an optical disk. Currentexamples of optical disks include compact disk-read only memory(CD-ROM), compact disk-read/write (CD-RAY) and DVD.

In FIG. 3, at step 300, the user's portable device is connected to awireless network. This connection will be the primary connection. Inthis embodiment, one of the wireless network interface cards (or logicalequivalent) is used by the primary connection. At step 305, the agentbegins searching (scanning) for a network connection and more preferablya least expensive wireless network connection. For example, the agentscans for a new secondary wireless network that is open to the public,i.e., not encrypted. Alternatively, the new network connection could beencrypted if the device has the appropriate key pre-installed to allowconnection to such a network. In embodiments, the scanning for a newnetwork can be performed transparently while the user stays connected onthe primary network.

At step 310, a connection will be established or attempted to beestablished with an available wireless network. The connection can bemade automatically without user notification or, alternatively, the usercan be provided with notification that a new connection is beingexamined and made. This notification can be a visual or audio alert suchas a “beep”, prior to making the actual connection. The connection willbe the “secondary connection” which is made while the primary connectionis still active. In alternative embodiments, the agent can make severaldifferent connections.

At step 315, the agent will discover the cost information about thesecondary connection. The agent can also scan the network for otherinformation, such as reliability, etc. At step 320, the agent determineswhether the secondary connection is less expensive than the primarynetwork connection. In this processing step, the agent can also or,alternatively, determine whether the secondary network has a userpreferred option for connection, e.g., more reliable connection than theprimary connection. The process can also allow the user to manuallyselect a network connection from a table or other type of interface.

In embodiments, the agent can make the determination of step 320 bylaunching a browser transparently with a sample URL. If the browserfails to display the URL, it is not free and/or requires user'sregistration prior to the usage. From the “splash page,” the agent can“screen scrape” the price information from the HTML text using keywordsto make a determination of relative cost. Alternatively, thedetermination of step 315 is made by gathering XML tags showing pricinginformation in a semantic fashion. This latter alternative is moredemanding on the website.

At step 325, if the secondary connection is found to be more expensivethan the primary connection, then the agent can disconnect from thesecondary connection. The process will then return to step 305.Similarly, in an alternative process, the agent can make a determinationas to whether the secondary connection is not as reliable as the primaryconnection. If this is the situation, the process will also return tostep 305. In either of these situations, the connection information canbe compared to a history table, as discussed above.

If the secondary connection is less expensive (or more reliable or otheruser option) than the primary connection, the agent will alert the userthat a cheaper wireless connection exists, or the user can authorize theagent, via prior setup and configuration, to act on behalf of the userto proceed with such cheaper connection at step 330. At step 335, theagent will disconnect the first wireless NIC from the primaryconnection, as the secondary connection is now promoted to be theprimary connection. At step 340, the user finishes using the portabledevice and disconnects from the network.

In contemplated embodiments, if unexplored connections still exist, theagent will continue to search for a cheaper wireless network, byrepeating the above steps. If all connections have been explored withina predetermined period of time, e.g., 10 seconds, 20 seconds, etc. thenconnections will not be rechecked until a threshold time has been met orexceeded, e.g., 1 minute, 2 minutes, etc. Alternatively, all connectionsmay be explored before the switch to the new network is established.This would avoid multiple changes in a static environment, whensubsequently cheaper connections are found. The process completes whenthe agent has explored all available network connections.

While the invention has been described in terms of embodiments, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practicedwith modifications and in the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a CPU, a computer readable memory and a computer readable storage medium; program instructions to scan for available secondary wireless networks; program instructions to establish a result table set up such that at least one of closest proximity network connections and stronger wireless signals appear in the result table for the available secondary wireless networks in an order from at least one of closest to farthest and strongest to weakest, respectively, wherein the result table includes price listings of the available secondary wireless networks; program instructions to connect the wireless device with a selected one of the available secondary wireless networks based on which one of the available secondary wireless networks is either closest or strongest while the wireless device is still connected to the primary wireless network; program instructions to determine, after the wireless device has been connected to the selected secondary wireless network, whether the selected secondary wireless network is cheaper than the primary wireless network; and program instructions to determine whether to disconnect the wireless device from the selected secondary wireless network or the primary wireless network based upon a comparison of differences in at least one of price, proximity and signal strength of the selected secondary wireless network and the primary wireless network, wherein, after determining whether to disconnect the wireless device from the selected secondary wireless network or the primary wireless network, the wireless device will be connected only to one of the primary wireless network or the selected secondary wireless network, program instructions to compare the available secondary wireless networks to a history table providing data for previously used wireless networks used by the wireless device in the past, and selecting one of the available secondary wireless networks over other available secondary wireless networks if it is listed on the history table, wherein the history table includes unique identifiers of the previously used wireless networks, actual connection types of the previously used wireless networks, MAC or IP addresses of the previously used wireless networks, and indications whether the previously used wireless networks are encryption enabled or disabled, and wherein the program instructions are stored on the computer readable storage medium for execution by the CPU via the computer readable memory.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: program instructions to check whether a name of a least expensive previously used wireless network from the history table appears in a list of the available secondary wireless networks found during the scanning; when the name of the least expensive previously used wireless network from the history table appears in the list of available secondary wireless networks, program instructions to select the least expensive previously used wireless network from the history table; and when the name of the least expensive previously used wireless network from the history table does not appear in the list of available secondary wireless networks, program instructions to check whether a name of a next least expensive previously used wireless network from the history table appears in the list of available secondary wireless networks.
 3. The system of claim 2, further comprising program instructions to provide an alert to a user prior to connecting to the selected secondary wireless network.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the connection to the selected secondary wireless network is automatically established without user notification.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein the connection to the selected secondary wireless network is established after user notification.
 6. The system of claim 2, further comprising exploring for further connections to other secondary wireless networks after the connection to the selected secondary wireless network.
 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising program instructions to decrypt the selected secondary wireless network prior to establishing the connection to the selected secondary wireless network. 